The Genetic Mutation That Drives Many Metastatic M...
Melanoma
The Genetic Mutation That Drives Many Metastatic Melanomas
“A BRAF mutation is a genetic abnormality that happens within 50 percent of melanomas that spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Anna Pavlick, Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. “It is this genetic abnormality that actually drives the melanoma to want to spread.”
Getting tested to see if you have the BRAF mutation is important in deciding how to tailor your melanoma treatment, because if you have the BRAF, there are medicines designed to block the mutation.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
“A BRAF mutation is a genetic abnormality that happens within 50 percent of melanomas that spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Anna Pavlick, Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. “It is this genetic abnormality that actually drives the melanoma to want to spread.”
Getting tested to see if you have the BRAF mutation is important in deciding how to tailor your melanoma treatment, because if you have the BRAF, there are medicines designed to block the mutation.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Treatment: Early-Stage Melanoma Treatment
If your melanoma has progressed to a stage two or three, the cancer will likely need to be removed surgically in the hospital.
Treatment: Treatment for Different Melanoma Stages
If your melanoma has progressed to a stage two or three, the cancer will likely need to be removed surgically in the hospital.